# The current second Trump administration: a compendium of horrors **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Tags:** trump\ **Created:** [November 6, 2024, 9:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-second-trump-administration-a-compendium-of-horrors/1009774 "2024-11-06T09:17:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 56
**Author:** ![Horatius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/horatius/32/3572_2.png) [@Horatius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatius)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2025, 9:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-second-trump-administration-a-compendium-of-horrors/1009774/1102 "2025-03-17T09:12:04Z")
> [@Mops](#): > > What would be the legal and procedural reason for (5)? Trump wants it. Stop trying to find “legal” or “normal” or “sensible” reasons for this crap. It’s happening because the people on the front lines have gotten the message. “Trump wants this”. ---
**Author:** ![ekedolphin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ekedolphin/32/10003_2.png) [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2025, 9:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-second-trump-administration-a-compendium-of-horrors/1009774/1103 "2025-03-17T09:15:44Z")
Shoulda seen this coming. Trump declares that Biden’s pardons of the Select Committee and of his family are null and void. His stated reason is because they were done by autopen. > **[Donald Trump sends warning to enemies as he says Biden pardons void](https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-joe-biden-jan-6-pardons-void-vacant-2045724)** > > Donald Trump has said that Joe Biden's pardons of members of Congress who investigated the January 6 insurrection are "void, vacant and of no further effect." ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2025, 12:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-second-trump-administration-a-compendium-of-horrors/1009774/1104 "2025-03-17T12:00:27Z")
So that means the pardons of all of Trump’s cronies could also be rescinded later? ---
**Author:** ![Lightnin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lightnin/32/180_2.png) [@Lightnin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lightnin)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2025, 12:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-second-trump-administration-a-compendium-of-horrors/1009774/1105 "2025-03-17T12:25:04Z")
I don’t know about you guys, but I’ve electronically “signed” quite a few important documents using Docusign, which digitally reproduces my signature on contracts and legal forms. A court affirming that those signatures are now invalid would fuck up my life in ways I can’t even imagine. ---
**Author:** ![PhillyGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ed655f/32.png) [@PhillyGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PhillyGuy)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2025, 12:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-second-trump-administration-a-compendium-of-horrors/1009774/1106 "2025-03-17T12:53:30Z")
> [@purplehorseshoe](#): > > > [@PhillyGuy](#): > > > > Today’s closure of the Voice of America is under discussion in another thread, > > Could you point me in that direction, please? There’s such a swirling miasma of semi-related stuff in different threads these days, but that topic is one I have specific interest in following. This is what I meant: > [@Should Democratic Senators play nice with Republicans and support the continuing resolution?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-democratic-senators-play-nice-with-republicans-and-support-the-continuing-resolution/1015454/188): > > Gee, it sure is a good thing we didn’t let the CR fail, otherwise Trump would just be able to shut down anything he doesn’t like. In the news this morning: [As Voice of America Goes Dark, Some Broadcasts Are Replaced by Music](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/16/business/voa-trump-dismantle.html?smid=url-share) Hypothesis: They fired almost everyone at the VOA so Kari Lake can eventually replace them with Trumpers. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, being government-funded but apparently not government-owned, is trying to maintain its integrity by finding alternative funding sources: Here’s an excellent article from the RFE/RL web site: [Czechs To Push EU Discussion On RFE/RL Funding As Europe Slams Cuts](https://www.rferl.org/a/czech-eu-rfe-funding-europe-slams-trump-cuts/33350379.html) > [@](#): > > “For us, nations living under tyranny, RFE/RL and VOA News are symbols of the free world – voices of truth,” Belarus opposition leader Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who fled her country fearing for the safety of her family after massive protests over a disputed presidential election claimed by authoritarian ruler Aleksandr Lukashenko, said in a [**post**](https://x.com/Tsihanouskaya/status/1901183165638545410) on X. > > “Many, like [RFE journalist] Ihar Losik, are in prison for working with them.” ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2025, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-second-trump-administration-a-compendium-of-horrors/1009774/1107 "2025-03-17T13:17:02Z")
My uncle was a broadcaster named [**Marv Brooks**](https://boxrec.com/wiki/index.php/Marvin_Brooks). Uncle Marv hosted two one-hour shortwave radio programs on the Voice Of America. As a child (early-1970’s), I remember Uncle Marv giving my brothers and me a VIP tour of the VOA studios in Washington, DC. This one hits just a tiny bit closer to home for me, despite how I feel about all the other slash-and-burn cuts coming out of Trump, Musk, DOGE, and this ‘administration.’ ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2025, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-second-trump-administration-a-compendium-of-horrors/1009774/1108 "2025-03-17T13:52:07Z")
> [@DesertDog](#): > > Come to think of it, what did he replace the Resolute Desk with after Elmo’s sprog wiped a booger on it, and it was sent out to be refurbished? Probably installed it in the bathroom at Mar-A-Lago. I doubt if it will make it back to the Oval office. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2025, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-second-trump-administration-a-compendium-of-horrors/1009774/1109 "2025-03-17T14:00:07Z")
> [@ekedolphin](#): > > Trump declares that Biden’s pardons of the Select Committee and of his family are null and void. His stated reason is because they were done by autopen. I declare Trump’s pardons null and void because they were signed with a Sharpie wielded by an orange moron. ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2025, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-second-trump-administration-a-compendium-of-horrors/1009774/1110 "2025-03-17T14:20:24Z")
> [@DesertDog](#): > > Come to think of it, what did he replace the Resolute Desk with after Elmo’s sprog wiped a booger on it, and it was sent out to be refurbished? Come to think of it, did Elon pay for refurbishment of said desk? And why couldn’t a competent cleaner simply clean it? What a waste of money, to be henceforth known as Boogergate. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2025, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-second-trump-administration-a-compendium-of-horrors/1009774/1111 "2025-03-17T15:11:35Z")
You know what a germophobe Donnie is. And Little Kid germs are the worst! That’s probably the reason for redecorating the Oval office. After he burned the previous furnishings\* and had the place fumigated and repainted. * * * \*Then had everything recreated/duplicated at a sweatshop in the remote backwoods of China. And flown in on Air Force One in the middle of the night. Hired undocumented workers to install, then deported them to _Tierra del Fuego_. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2025, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-second-trump-administration-a-compendium-of-horrors/1009774/1112 "2025-03-17T15:14:40Z")
> [@ekedolphin](#): > > Trump declares that Biden’s pardons of the Select Committee and of his family are null and void. His stated reason is because they were done by autopen. The Constitution doesn’t even require pardons to be signed at all. “. . . and he shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment.” ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Drake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ad7895/32.png) [@Dr.Drake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Drake)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2025, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-second-trump-administration-a-compendium-of-horrors/1009774/1113 "2025-03-17T15:33:06Z")
The Consti-what now? Oh, you mean that old document we used to use for government? That’s so 2024. ---
**Author:** ![EddyTeddyFreddy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eddyteddyfreddy/32/18796_2.png) [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2025, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-second-trump-administration-a-compendium-of-horrors/1009774/1114 "2025-03-17T15:35:35Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > > [@DesertDog](#): > > > > Come to think of it, what did he replace the Resolute Desk with after Elmo’s sprog wiped a booger on it, and it was sent out to be refurbished? > > Probably installed it in the bathroom at Mar-A-Lago. I doubt if it will make it back to the Oval office. Naw, it’s too symbolic of “I AM THE PRESIDENT!” so it will come back, but gilded all over with a big gold TRUMP plaque on the front. ---
**Author:** ![aurora\_maire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aurora_maire/32/328_2.png) [@aurora\_maire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aurora_maire)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2025, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-second-trump-administration-a-compendium-of-horrors/1009774/1115 "2025-03-17T15:37:02Z")
> [@ekedolphin](#): > > Trump declares that Biden’s pardons of the Select Committee and of his family are null and void. > [@from ekedolphin's link](#): > > Trump also warned members of the former January 6 House select committee that they would now be “subject to investigation at the highest level.” I guess the show trials will be happening pretty soon. With the economy going south so quickly, they need some distractions. And with the CR business behind them, Trump can give Congress something to do. I’m sure he thinks it will make great TV. ---
**Author:** ![Cervaise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cervaise/32/16693_2.png) [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2025, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-second-trump-administration-a-compendium-of-horrors/1009774/1116 "2025-03-17T15:46:54Z")
Yet another open declaration of contempt for judicial rulings: > **[Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com)](https://bsky.app/profile/atrupar.com/post/3lklgjbbqio2w)** > > Homan: "We're not stopping. I don't care what the judges think. I don't care what the left thinks. We're coming." I look forward to seeing the consequences for this defiance! (P.S. Ha ha there won’t be any.) ---
**Author:** ![aurora\_maire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aurora_maire/32/328_2.png) [@aurora\_maire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aurora_maire)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2025, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-second-trump-administration-a-compendium-of-horrors/1009774/1117 "2025-03-17T16:03:49Z")
The black host loves to watch liberal tears. 🤦 I’m pleased to tell you that there will be none for you leopard bait. ---
**Author:** ![DesertDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/desertdog/32/11503_2.png) [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2025, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-second-trump-administration-a-compendium-of-horrors/1009774/1118 "2025-03-17T16:21:29Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > And why couldn’t a competent cleaner simply clean it? Isn’t Donnie Two-scoops a germophobe? ---
**Author:** ![Horatius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/horatius/32/3572_2.png) [@Horatius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatius)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2025, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-second-trump-administration-a-compendium-of-horrors/1009774/1119 "2025-03-17T16:27:20Z")
Yes, he is, which is why it boggled my mind so much when he completely shit the bed during COVID. That was the one type of crisis I thought he’d be good at, because the actions that needed to be taken meshed so well with his pre-existing mental issues. ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2025, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-second-trump-administration-a-compendium-of-horrors/1009774/1120 "2025-03-17T16:29:04Z")
Seems to me a simple booger would require only a magic eraser at most. To strip down and refinish a desk for one booger seems terribly wasteful- seems to me that DOGE should go after this one. But point of future reference- should I ever have the misfortune to shake Donald’s hand, I shall surely plant a booger in my palm before entering the room. ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2025, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-second-trump-administration-a-compendium-of-horrors/1009774/1121 "2025-03-17T16:34:03Z")
Do we know for a fact that it’s being refinished _because_ Musk’s kid wiped a booger on it? Or could this be an example of the _post [**hock**](https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=hock%20a%20loogie)_ fallacy? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-second-trump-administration-a-compendium-of-horrors/1009774.md?page=55) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-second-trump-administration-a-compendium-of-horrors/1009774.md?page=57)